Rajasthan vs Kolkata, 25th Match

Phew! What a thriller it was. Do not forget to switch tabs and soak up all the action from the Chennai vs Delhi clash.

Tambe: "I will never forget this performance. Yes, this is the first time I am getting a hat-trick. When you are bowling at this level, you need to mix things up and be energetic on the field. I really enjoyed bowling today."

Pravin Tambe is the Man of the Match for his sterling hat-trick.

Watson: "Look it is nice to close games. We have wicket-taking bowlers. PT (Pravin Tambe) just keeps going and going. He gets world class batsmen out and at crucial times. He has been incredible, he makes my job easier. Bhatia complemented him well. Tewatia bowled nicely in his first game as well. It was nice on my part to make an impact with the ball."

Gambhir: "We were cruising at one stage, 120 odd for no loss. I've not seen this kind of cricket but we've got to move on. 8 games to go and hopefully we can turn it around. Apart from Sunil and Shakib none of the guys are putting their hands up."

Shakib and Yadav fought gamely but it was not enough to prevent Kolkata from capsizing to their fifth defeat. If you want to advance to the Play-offs you cannot afford more than a couple of batting collapses. Kolkata have already endured several cases of brain fades. Do stick around for the presentation ceremony.

Watto is pumped. He is super pumped. He vents all his pent up frustrations. Meanwhile, Tambe is all smiles. Rajasthan consolidate themselves at the top half of the table. Kolkata were just on cruise mode when Gauti and Uthappa were in the zone. The Rajasthan skipper though altered the script with a triple strike in the 15th over. Tambe followed it up with a hat-trick that stunned Kolkata into submission.

19.6 Watson to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, Watto and Tambe do the star turn for Rajasthan as they win by 10 runs. Watson seeks another yorker, it goes full on the leg-stump, Suryakumar Yadav picks it up from there and flicks it away past square leg

19.5 Watson to Shakib, 1 run, Watto fires in the yorker, Shakib can only dig it out to mid-on. Top stuff from the Rajasthan skipper

Two sixes and we will have another Super Over between these two teams.

19.4 Watson to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, low full toss on off, Suryakumar Yadav belts it down to mid off

19.3 Watson to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, seeing Suryakumar Yadav sinking to one knee in a bid to scoop it away, Watto cleverly invests in a slow bouncer, nothing doing from Yadav

19.2 Watson to Shakib, leg byes, 1 run, hurled in full on the leg-stump, Shakib misses the whip, the batsmen scamper across for the single

15 runs from 5 balls is the equation.

19.1 Watson to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, full toss on middle, Suryakumar Yadav makes room and drives it to cover, just a single though

19.1 Watson to Suryakumar Yadav, no ball, full and fired down leg, Watto transgresses the bowling crease now. Can Yadav cash in now?

Shane Watson [3.0-0-16-3] is back into the attack

18.6 Faulkner to Suryakumar Yadav, leg byes, 1 run, Yadav misses out on the free-hit! This was very full, Suryakumar Yadav moves across and looks to lap it away, he does not connect it, a leg-bye pinched. It was poor thinking on the part of Yadav as fine leg was in the circle

18.6 Faulkner to Shakib, no ball, 1 run, Oops, Faulkner has overstepped. Short of a length on the stumps, Shakib looks to heave it away, he ekes out an inside edge onto it

18.5 Faulkner to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, another one mighty full on middle, Suryakumar Yadav forces it to long on. Steve Smith in action again, you cannot take him on

18.4 Faulkner to Shakib, 1 run, Faulkner ventures short, Shakib swivels and pulls it down to fine leg although he was not in total control of it

18.3 Faulkner to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run, another one in the blockhole, this time on off, Yadav drills it to long on, Steve Smith swoops in on the ball and limits it to just a single

18.2 Faulkner to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, a pin-point yorker seeking the base of middle, Suryakumar Yadav jabs his bat down in the nick of time and lives on to fight for Kolkata

18.1 Faulkner to Shakib, 1 run, slower bouncer, heaved away to long on

17.6 Southee to Shakib, 1 run, It's all happening here at Ahmedabad. Has Watto, the hero become the villian? He spurns what could turn out to be a decisive catch. This was a nothing ball, full toss outside off, drives it uppishly to mid-off, from where Watson dives forward with both hands but cannot hang onto it

17.5 Southee to Shakib, FOUR, Southee strives for the yorker, misses the length, fullish and on off, Shakib gets underneath that and lifts it over mid-off to ease a bit of tension in the Kolkata camp

17.5 Southee to Shakib, wide, Southee loses his cool as he drags this slow bouncer down leg, these are bonus runs for Kolkata

17.4 Southee to Shakib, SIX, BOOM goes Shakib! Length delivery outside off, Shakib frees his arms and launches it over the bowler's head

17.3 Southee to Suryakumar Yadav, leg byes, 1 run, low full toss angled in on the pads, Yadav looks to paddle it away but misses. The impact was outside leg though

17.2 Southee to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, back of a length delivery just zipping over the leg-stump as Yadav charges down the track and misses the lusty blow

15.3 Tambe to Suryakumar Yadav, no run, pushed through at back of a length, chopped to cover

Suryakumar Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

15.2 Tambe to ten Doeschate, out Lbw!! Tambe you beauty! The 42-year old can pip Cinderella in fairy-land. He collects a hat-trick. Tendo's toys have been thrown out of the pram. Tambe pulls out a star man pose of his own. This was a rapid leggie, ten Doeschate looks to squeeze it out but no dice. Tendo is rapped on the boot in front of off. The umpire gives him the marching orders. ten Doeschate lbw b Tambe 0(1)

Tambe to ten Doeschate, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Ryan ten Doeschate, right handed bat, comes to the crease

15.1 Tambe to Y Pathan, out Caught&Bowled!! The procession continues. Make that 5 wickets in a space of 8 balls. Tambe tosses this one up on middle, Y Pathan tries to force it to the leg-side, he closes the face of the bat early and spoons it back to the bowler off a leading-edge. Tambe tumbles and completes the catch to aggravate Kolkata's misery. Y Pathan c and b Tambe 0(1)

Tambe to Y Pathan, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!

Yusuf Pathan, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Time-out! Kolkata could buy some time to regroup.

4 wickets in the last 7 balls. This game is dangling on a razor's edge, although one might feel that Rajasthan have their noses ahead.

15.1 Tambe to M Pandey, wide, out Stumped!! Kolkata continues to choke. Pandey is sent packing for a blob. Pandey shimmies down the track, the bowler is wary of it as he spins it down leg, Sanju in the frame again as he whips the bails off. There was no way that Pandey could have returned to the safety of his crease. M Pandey st Samson b Tambe 0(0)

Tambe to M Pandey, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

Pravin Tambe [3.0-0-22-0] is back into the attack

14.6 Watson to Shakib, no run, What an over by Watto! Full and pushed across, Shakib drives it to cover

Shakib Al Hasan, left handed bat, comes to the crease

14.5 Watson to A Russell, out Bowled!! Make that a triple strike. Watson is in full stare out there, he shows Russell, who's the boss out there. This was a good length cutter, Russell tries to defend after walking across but is effort is in vain as the ball batters the middle-stump. A Russell b Watson 1(3)

14.3 Watson to Uthappa, out Caught by R Bhatia!! Oh, Robbie what have you done. Watson may have just thrown the game open. This was a harmless length delivery on middle and leg, Uthappa flicks his wrists and sends it straight down the throat of Bhatia at deep square leg. Uthappa c R Bhatia b Watson 65(52) [4s-5 6s-3]

Watson to Uthappa, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

14.2 Watson to A Russell, 1 run, Watson delivers a slower yorker, A Russell digs it out somehow, just when the ball was rolling back onto the stumps, he covers it with his bat. What more? Robbie wants the single as he ventures to the batsman's end. Russell though sends him back. Watto has a shy at the sticks but fails to break the stumps

Andre Russell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Russell vs Watto now.

14.1 Watson to Gambhir, out Caught by Samson!! Watto brings himself back and takes down his opposite number. I'm afraid it is a bit late for Rajasthan. Watson rolls his fingers across this slower cutter, Gambhir wants to launch it downtown, he is palpably early into the shot, nicks it to the Sanju, who flies to his left to snaffle the take. Gambhir c Samson b Watson 54(34) [4s-6 6s-1]

Watson to Gambhir, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Shane Watson [2.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Faulkner to Uthappa, no run, good length delivery slanted across, Uthappa's cheekiness tapers off. He aims for a reverse swat but fails to get any bat onto it, in start contract to the AB special yesterday night

13.5 Faulkner to Uthappa, no run, too full and straight, Uthappa whips it firmly but cannot place it past mid-wicket

13.4 Faulkner to Uthappa, 2 runs, Uthappa opens the face of the bat on impact with this length delivery outside off and runs it down to short third man, where Bhatia fumbles the take

13.3 Faulkner to Gambhir, 1 run, cutter on middle and leg, Gambhir aims to half-flick, half-swat it, but squirts it out to short third man

13.2 Faulkner to Gambhir, FOUR, we have been expecting you, Mr. Gauti. This was a slower length delivery on the leg-stump, Gambhir whipashes it to the backward square leg fence, bringing up his fifty with a boundary just like Robbie

13.1 Faulkner to Gambhir, no run, mighty full and fired on the stumps, driven back to the bowler

James Faulkner [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

12.6 R Bhatia to Uthappa, SIX, These two have the game in the bag. Back of a length slower one outside off, Uthappa flat-bats it, muscling it over the bowler's head. It actually came off the base of the bat but still had enough fuel

12.5 R Bhatia to Gambhir, leg byes, 1 run, slower one sliding down leg though, Gambhir cannot tickle it, he ekes out a leg-bye. He has to wait for his fifty

12.4 R Bhatia to Gambhir, SIX, mauled over long on. R Bhatia rolls his fingers across this slower cutter, Gambhir props his weight forward and thwacks it with some power as the ball goes sailing over long-on

12.2 R Bhatia to Gambhir, 1 run, back of a length ball just outside leg, Gambhir miscues the pull to deep backward square. That notches up the 100 off the partnership

12.1 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, good length delivery on off, Uthappa comes down the track and drills it down to long on

Rajat Bhatia [2.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Tambe to Gambhir, no run, drifting down leg, Gambhir helps it straight to the man at backward square. He is annoyed with himself for not threading the gap, for that ball should have been dispatched

11.4 Tambe to Gambhir, 1 run, googly from Tambe, Gambhir sets up for the almighty heave over mid-wicket, all he manages is a tame leading edge that drops in front of short third man

11.3 Tambe to Uthappa, 1 run, Uthappa ventures down the track and clips this one behind square leg

11.2 Tambe to Gambhir, 1 run, similar ball, this time to the left-hander, who whips it away to mid wicket

11.1 Tambe to Uthappa, 1 run, floated on the leg-stump, driven down to long-on

Pravin Tambe [2.0-0-17-0] is back into the attack

10.6 Rahul Tewatia to Gambhir, FOUR, amazing hit! That is what Gauti could do when he is in the zone. Pushed through quick on middle, Gambhir clears his right leg and larrups it over mid-wicket

10.5 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, 1 run, pushed through much fuller, Uthappa flicks his wrists and directs it to long on

10.4 Rahul Tewatia to Gambhir, 1 run, looped up invitingly outside off, Gambhir obliges as he seeks to whack it over mid-wicket but the ball dies down in front of short third man off a thick outside edge

10.3 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, 1 run, Rahul Tewatia gives this more air, eased down to long off

10.2 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, no run, flat and fired on off, Uthappa crashes it to cover

10.1 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, SIX, Uthappa reaches his fifty and with some style! Slider outside off, Uthappa skates down the track and hoists it over long off. Clean strike from Robbie!

Rahul Tewatia [1.0-0-5-0] is back into the attack

9.6 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, fine comeback from the slower ball specialist. This was slightly back of a length and outside off, Uthappa lofts it beautifully over vacant mid-off

9.4 R Bhatia to Uthappa, leg byes, 1 run, floaty full toss from Bhatia, oh dear Uthappa misses the sweep, he does not get any bat onto it

9.3 R Bhatia to Gambhir, 1 run, back of the hand slower one from Bhatia, his Delhi Ranji team mate waits for it and slog-sweeps it to deep backward square leg, Gauti did not connect it as well as he would have liked

9.2 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, good length ball homing in on middle, Uthappa moves across and presses it to mid-wicket

9.1 R Bhatia to Uthappa, no run, good length ball around off, Uthappa stays in his crease and pushes it to cover

Rajat Bhatia [1.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

8.6 Tambe to Gambhir, FOUR, Tambe loses his control as he digs it short and wide outside off, a back-to-form Gambhir rocks back and smashes the pull, bisecting the gap between midwicket and long on

8.5 Tambe to Gambhir, no run, slider outside off, the skews off a thick outside edge but does not carry to short third man

8.4 Tambe to Gambhir, 2 runs, floated and angling away outside off, Gambhir slices it in the air but the ball evades backward point

8.3 Tambe to Uthappa, 1 run, Uthappa takes a leaf out his captain's playbook as he comes down the track and tucks it away to backward square leg, neat shot

8.2 Tambe to Gambhir, 1 run, Gambhir races down the track, converts this into a hittable half volley, belted down to long on

8.1 Tambe to Uthappa, 1 run, looped up slow on off, Uthappa squirts it in front of mid-wicket

Pravin Tambe [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

Tambe it is after the break.

Kolkata are motoring along nicely. Who will Watto turn to for a breakthrough?

7.6 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, 1 run, Uthappa forces it down to long-on to usher the penultimate time-out session of the match

7.5 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, no run, googly, floated on back of a length, Uthappa camps on the back foot but fails to connect the flick as he wears his high on his pads

7.4 Rahul Tewatia to Gambhir, 1 run, 80.3 kph, short and wide outside off, allowing Gauti to cut it to sweeper cover again

7.3 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, 1 run, gentle floater on the pads, Uthappa helps it behind square on the leg-side

7.2 Rahul Tewatia to Gambhir, 1 run, dragged short outside off, Gambhir sits back and cuts it away but there is a man sweeping the boundary

7.1 Rahul Tewatia to Uthappa, 1 run, ample air on middle, Uthappa flicks it down to mid wicket after twirling his wrists

Rahul Tewatia, right-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

Here is Tewatia on his T20 debut.

6.6 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Uthappa bunts it down to long on to cap off another productive over for Kolkata. 11 runs came off it

6.5 R Bhatia to Gambhir, 1 run, that seemed like an off-breaker, Gambhir nurdles a single behind square leg

6.4 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, good length dibbly-dobber on off, Uthappa eases it to long on to cool off at the other end

6.3 R Bhatia to Uthappa, SIX, imperious from Robbie. Uthappa waits for the slower ball, launches it high and handsome over deep mid-wicket. The fact that he transferred his weight forward made the shot double special

6.2 R Bhatia to Gambhir, 1 run, another cutter outside off, Gambhir waits for an age and runs it down to short third man, who fumbles the take

6.1 R Bhatia to Uthappa, 1 run, good length cutter on off, Uthappa milks it down to long on

Rajat Bhatia, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

Nature must like symmetry. Kolkata too are 50-0 at the end of 6 overs.

5.6 Southee to Gambhir, 2 runs, Southee fires this mighty full outside off, Gambhir reaches out and squirts it out to third man to raise the fifty of the stand

5.5 Southee to Gambhir, FOUR, aha! This one's even better. Good length ball outside off, Gambhir creates room and executes the lofted drive over mid-off, talk about playing in the 'V'

5.4 Southee to Gambhir, FOUR, Kolkata are showing signs of cranking up to the next gear. This was a length delivery on the stumps, Gambhir, having backed away, has enough leverage to hoist it over mid-on

5.3 Southee to Uthappa, 1 run, a bit too full and straight, Uthappa shuffles across a bit and flicks it away past square leg, neatly done. This is one of Robbie's staple shots

5.2 Southee to Uthappa, no run, well-directed bumper outside off, Uthappa tries to hook it but cannot make contact

5.1 Southee to Uthappa, no run, good length ball on middle, Uthappa charges down the track only to tamely mishit the swipe to Faulkner at mid-wicket

Tim Southee [1.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

So, Tambe's off after an over. Here is Southee. The Kiwi quick and Watto discuss battle plans.

4.6 Faulkner to Gambhir, no run, Faulkner shortens his length outside off, Gambhir leaps off his feet and fends it in front of point

4.5 Faulkner to Gambhir, FOUR, length delivery on the pads, a real gift from Faulkner, Gambhir jackpots it as he picks it up from there, flicks his wrists and directs it over mid wicket

Faulkner throws a few verbal volleys at the batsman.

4.4 Faulkner to Uthappa, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Uthappa hunts for the pull, the ball goes off the inside half of the bat to backward square leg

4.3 Faulkner to Uthappa, no run, fuller and on off, Uthappa props forward and drives it to mid-off, he forgets about placement and says no to his partner

4.2 Faulkner to Gambhir, 1 run, Faulkner delivers a steepler now, Gambhir does not get hold of the hook, fortunately for Kolkata the ball bounces in front of deep mid wicket

4.1 Faulkner to Gambhir, 2 runs, good length ball homing in on middle, a bit of away movement as well, Gambhir wants to clip it to the leg-side but gets a leading-edge that loops over extra cover

James Faulkner, comes into the attack

3.6 Tambe to Uthappa, no run, tossed up on middle, Uthappa works it away to mid-wicket, where Faulkner makes a half diving stop and deflects the ball to Watto at mid-on

3.4 Tambe to Uthappa, FOUR, smart shot! He was aware that mid-on was in the circle, he shimmies down the track and lifts it over Watto there

3.3 Tambe to Uthappa, no run, full toss dipping on off, Uthappa punches it down to cover, straight to the fielder

3.2 Tambe to Gambhir, 1 run, flat and on the pads, Gambhir invests in a half-sweep, half-swat but there is protection at deep mid-wicket

3.1 Tambe to Uthappa, 1 run, floated around off, Uthappa comes on the front foot and bunts it to long off

Pravin Tambe, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

Early signs of spin..

2.6 Watson to Uthappa, 1 run, urgent running between the wickets. Watson persists with the back of a length part of the spectrum, Uthappa dabs it in front of cover and calls through his captain

2.5 Watson to Uthappa, no run, fraction back of a length and outside off, Uthappa punches it to cover-point, straight to the fielder

2.4 Watson to Uthappa, FOUR, pitched up and swinging away outside off, Uthappa wants to drive, the ball travels to the deep third man fence after snaring the outside edge

2.3 Watson to Uthappa, FOUR, teaser for Tambe, all he can do is to escort it to the fence. Watson sprays this back of a length delivery on the pads, Uthappa helps it uppishly, wide of Tambe at short fine. Minimal effort required to capitalize on these buffet balls

2.2 Watson to Gambhir, 1 run, good length ball ducking in, Gambhir waits for it, drops it onto the pitch, adjacent to the off-side for a well-judged single

2.1 Watson to Gambhir, no run, pitched up and nibbling away on off, Gambhir mishits the drive back to Watson

1.6 Southee to Uthappa, FOUR, cracker of a shot! Slightly back of a length and outside off, Uthappa stands tall and powers it away, pinging the cow corner fence

1.5 Southee to Gambhir, 3 runs, fraction back of a length and outside off, Gambhir crunches it wide of cover to open his account with three

1.4 Southee to Uthappa, 1 run, Southee goes up in an optimistic LBW appeal but Robbie is safe! He shuffles across and aims to work this good length delivery on middle and leg, he ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. Even if he had missed it entirely, the ball would have sneaked down leg

1.3 Southee to Uthappa, no run, similar length and outside off, not much deviation now, Uthappa swats it hard but fails to beat mid-off

1.2 Southee to Uthappa, no run, a ripper from Southee! He delivers a back of a length delivery, which pitches on off and jags away late past the iffy waft of Robbie

1.1 Southee to Uthappa, no run, Southee starts off with a fullish one just a smidge outside off, drawing Uthappa into a forward defensive push back to Southee

Tim Southee, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Watson to Gambhir, no run, bumper this time from Watto. Gambhir hooks and misses

0.5 Watson to Uthappa, 1 run, full and outside off, Uthappa lunges forward, drives it to cover, sets off. Tewatia there picks up the ball, has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Had he hit Gauti would have returned to the familiar territory of binary codes. Would go down as a chance

0.4 Watson to Uthappa, no run, Take that Robbie says Watto. Fullish and ducking away outside off, Uthappa has a dabble at that only to get beaten

0.3 Watson to Uthappa, FOUR, Watson tests Uthappa with a bouncer, Uthappa shifts his balance onto the back foot and nails the pull to the deep mid wicket fence

0.2 Watson to Uthappa, no run, good length ball pushed a touch wider outside off, Uthappa leans forward in a bid to drive but mishits it as it goes only as far as Watson

0.1 Watson to Uthappa, no run, pitched up and swerving away ever so slightly outside off, Uthappa reads it and lets it pass to Sanju, who does not collect it cleanly

Uthappa and Gambhir are at the crease. Uthappa is on strike. Watson will open the attack

Welcome back. Kolkata face a challenging task despite pinching some late wickets. Robbie and Gauti are out in the middle. Watto is ready and so are we.

Rajasthan have done well to put up a healthy total on the board. All their top-order batsmen got starts, Karun once again top-scoring with 44. He was involved in two fifty plus stands with Rahane and Samson. Watson came in and played a blistering innings of 31. They looked well on course for 180-190 but Kolkata pulled things back towards the end. The spin twins, Narine and Shakib were the pick of the bowlers. The wicket is slow and is assisting the spinners. This will not be an easy chase for Kolkata. Join us back in a short while for the run chase....

19.6 Vinay to R Bhatia, SIX, poor delivery to finish, slower delivery on a length, Bhatia was waiting for it, he bends his knees and slogs it to deep mid wicket, the ball had just enough to clear the ropes

19.4 Vinay to Binny, out Caught by ten Doeschate!! What is it with Kolkata and sensational catches. Tendo plucks off a brilliant catch. A full toss from Vinay, Binny middles the heave to deep mid wicket, ten Doeschate was 5 yards inside the fence, he times his jump to perfection and takes a stunner. Binny c ten Doeschate b Vinay 11(9) [6s-1]

Vinay to Binny, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

James Faulkner, right handed bat, comes to the crease

19.3 Vinay to S Smith, out Caught by Suryakumar Yadav!! Smith goes trying to get some quick runs. This was the slower one, bowled from back of the hand, he lands it just outside off, Smith drags the heave and mistimes it towards long on. Suryakumar runs forward this time and takes a good catch. S Smith c Suryakumar Yadav b Vinay 3(2)

Vinay to S Smith, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

19.2 Vinay to Binny, 1 run, in the blockhole, Binny squeezes it to deep mid wicket

19.1 Vinay to S Smith, 3 runs, what a shot to play off your first delivery, slower delivery, Smith reverses and hits it over the in-field on the off-side, he didn't middle it so only three runs

Vinay Kumar [3.0-0-31-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Narine to Binny, no run, knuckle ball which is pushed through, Binny makes room and fails to make contact

18.5 Narine to Binny, SIX, Binny connects well and he collects a maximum, slightly short and on the stumps, he rocks back and hoicks it over the deep mid wicket, Pandey was just a spectator

18.4 Narine to Binny, no run, quicker delivery outside off, Binny goes for the drive, he is beaten and drags his foot out of the crease, but gets it back just in time before Uthappa took the bails off. The right decision made by the TV umpire

Third umpire called in for a stumping chance. Binny the man in question, he looks to have some part of his foot behind the line. Not Out flashes and Binny survives

Steven Smith, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.3 Narine to Watson, out Caught by Suryakumar Yadav!! A stunner from Suryakumar gets rid of Watson. He knew exactly where the ropes were and he held his balance as well. This was flighted on the stumps, Watson gets under it and lofts it to long on, it was well over the ropes, but still Suryakumar takes it with both the hands facing towards the crowd. The umpires check whether it was a clean catch, it was and Watson makes the long walk back. Watson c Suryakumar Yadav b Narine 31(20) [4s-2 6s-2]

Narine to Watson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.2 Narine to Watson, 2 runs, flatter on middle and leg, Watson works it with soft hands to mid-wicket, sensible batting as he comes back for the second

18.1 Narine to Binny, 1 run, tossed up and turning in, Binny gets it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket

17.6 A Russell to Binny, 1 run, pitches it up outside off, Binny lofts it to long off

17.5 A Russell to Watson, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Watson thumps it to long on

17.4 A Russell to Watson, 2 runs, slower delivery outside off, Watson top-edges the big heave towards third man, Umesh who was at short third runs back and tries to catch it, but does not get a hand to it

17.3 A Russell to Watson, no run, good length ball outside off, Watson lets it go thinking he missed his run-up. The umpire could not pick it as he slowed down behind him and says it has to be a legitimate delivery

What has happened here? Russell tries something different. He slows down on his run-up, Watson thinks he is pulling out of his stride but Russell goes through with it.

17.2 A Russell to Watson, no ball, 1 run, full toss above waist high, Watson is surprised and ends up splicing it straight down the ground

17.1 A Russell to Watson, FOUR, nice juicy full toss around off, a yorker gone wrong, Watson drills the drive to the long on fence, the fielders were straight in the deep but still had no chance of stopping that

Andre Russell [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

16.6 Narine to Watson, leg byes, 1 run, sliding onto the legs, Watson does not get bat on the glance and the ball trickles off the pads to short fine

16.5 Narine to Binny, 1 run, knuckle ball close to off, Binny taps it to the off-side and collects a quick single

16.4 Narine to Watson, 1 run, throws this up on off, Watson leans forward and nudges it to mid-wicket, Binny wanted the second but is sent back just in time

16.3 Narine to Watson, no run, flatter and on the stums, Watson knocks it to the right of the bowler

Stuart Binny, right handed bat, comes to the crease

16.2 Narine to Samson, out Caught by M Pandey!! Narine strikes and he gets rid of the youngster. Samson does not pick the knuckle ball but still goes through with the shot. This was touch short and on the stumps, Samson backs away slightly and tries to hoick it over deep mid wicket, he does not middle it and holes out, Pandey makes no mistake. Samson c M Pandey b Narine 37(31) [4s-3]

Narine to Samson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

16.1 Narine to Watson, 1 run, knuckle ball which slower through the air, Watson works it to long on

15.6 Vinay to Watson, 1 run, change of pace outside off, Watson mistimes the drive to long off. Big over for Rajasthan, 19 runs came off it

15.5 Vinay to Watson, SIX, Vinay not learning from his mistakes, length delivery in the Watson's hitting arc, he sends it sailing over the long off fence this time, second six of the over

15.3 Vinay to Watson, 1 run, wide yorker, Watson squeezes it to deep extra cover, that would have been a wide had he let it go

15.2 Vinay to Watson, FOUR, full toss outside off, Watson is helping himself to some easy runs here, he slams the drive uppishly wide of extra cover, the man at long off does not bother to chase it

15.1 Vinay to Watson, SIX, full and in the slot for Watson, he frees his arms and launches it over the long on fence, not the perfect start for Vinay

Vinay Kumar [2.0-0-12-0] is back into the attack

14.6 Narine to Samson, 2 runs, flighted on off and middle, Samson skips down the wicket and gets a thickish inside edge to deep mid wicket. Good over for Rajasthan as 10 runs came off it

14.5 Narine to Samson, no run, slower and on off, Samson knocks it to the left of the bowler

14.4 Narine to Samson, 2 runs, slightly short and just outside off, Samson makes room and lofts it to deep backward point, ten Doeschate slides and saves two runs

14.3 Narine to Samson, FOUR, edged and four, the knuckle ball on the stumps, Samson comes down the track and tries to go big, the ball goes off the outside edge past short third man to the fence, the fielder was inside the circle and had no chance of stopping that

14.1 Narine to Samson, 1 run, the offie from Narine, Samson chips it to deep mid-on

Sunil Narine [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Shakib to Watson, no run, arm-ball on middle and leg, Watson is hurried into getting his bat down, he jams it towards cover

13.5 Shakib to Watson, no run, slower and on off, Watson turns it to mid-wicket

13.5 Shakib to Watson, wide, quicker delivery down the leg-side, Watson has nothing to do with that and wide signalled

13.4 Shakib to Watson, no run, flatter and on the stumps, Watson works it to mid-wicket

Shane Watson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Time Out!

13.3 Shakib to Nair, out Stumped!! Finally, Kolkata have broken through this nice little partnership. Karun goes after another good innings. This was darted in outside off, Karun shimmies down the wicket, he fails to dig it out, Uthappa collects the ball and whips the bails off. This will also bring Watson to the crease, which might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Rajasthan. Nair st Uthappa b Shakib 44(35) [4s-4 6s-1]

12.1 ten Doeschate to Samson, no run, dropped! This was full and outside off, Samson goes for the drive and gets a thick edge, Uthappa standing up to the stumps fails to take it, that is the problem with make shift keepers, the ball goes off his gloves and falls before short third man

11.6 U Yadav to Nair, 2 runs, pitched up outside off, Karun opens the face and drives it past point for a couple

11.5 U Yadav to Nair, SIX, a much needed six for Rajastan as the runs were coming only in singles and twos, full toss on leg-stump, Karun goes for the pick up shot, he gets a top-edge that clears the man at deep square leg

11.3 U Yadav to Nair, 1 run, back of a length on the stumps, Karun pulls it to deep mid wicket

11.2 U Yadav to Samson, 1 run, banged in half way down the wicket, Samson tries to pull it off the front foot, the ball balloons off the splice to mid-off, luckily it fell wide of the fielder

11.1 U Yadav to Samson, no run, takes the pace off the length delivery, Samson looks to steer it to third man but can't make contact

Umesh Yadav [2.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack

10.6 ten Doeschate to Nair, no run, yorker close to off, Karun jams it to the right of the bowler

10.5 ten Doeschate to Nair, 2 runs, full and on the pads, Karun whips it uppishly to deep mid wicket, Umesh does the tiding up at the ropes

10.4 ten Doeschate to Samson, 1 run, Samson walks around in his crease, ten Doeschate sees that and drags the length back, Samson dabs it to short third man for a single

10.3 ten Doeschate to Nair, 1 run, slower one on off and middle, Karun works it to mid-wicket

10.2 ten Doeschate to Nair, no run, on a length around off, Karun goes for the reverse swat but does not make contact

10.1 ten Doeschate to Samson, 1 run, starts with an off-cutter, Samson guides it to short third man and Karun calls his partner through for a quick single

Ryan ten Doeschate, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

9.6 Shakib to Samson, 1 run, full toss outside off, Samson charges down and slices it on the bounce to sweeper cover

9.5 Shakib to Samson, no run, fired outside off, Samson lets it go thinking it is a wide, but umpire Llong does not think so it was just inside the wide line

9.4 Shakib to Nair, 1 run, throws this up on off, Karun goes for the sweep and top-edges it on the bounce to deep backward square leg

9.3 Shakib to Samson, 1 run, flighted just outside off, Samson comes down the track, yorks himself and squeezes it to long off

9.2 Shakib to Nair, 1 run, slows this up considerably outside off, Karun goes hard at it and gets a thick inside edge towards long on

9.1 Shakib to Samson, 1 run, flighted around off, Samson comes on the front foot and pushes it wide of cover

Time Out!

8.6 A Russell to Samson, 1 run, fuller and outside off, Samson crunches the drive straight to long off

8.5 A Russell to Nair, 1 run, back of a length on middle and leg, Karun stays back and gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad, the ball pops towards backward point

8.4 A Russell to Samson, 1 run, on a length outside off, Samson knocks it to sweeper cover

8.3 A Russell to Samson, no run, change of pace from Russell, Samson is deceived by the lack of pace as he tries to run it to third man

8.2 A Russell to Samson, FOUR, Samson does not hold back when he is going after the bowling, full and bit of width on offer, he opens the face and slices it over backward point, the ball flies across to the fence

8.1 A Russell to Nair, 1 run, full and just outside off, driven to long on

7.6 Shakib to Samson, no run, slows this up around off, Samson presses forward and defends it to cover with a straight bat

7.5 Shakib to Nair, 1 run, slows this up on off, Karun works it to the vacant mid-wicket region

7.4 Shakib to Samson, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Samson comes down the track and eases it to sweeper cover

7.2 Shakib to Samson, 1 run, quicker and on the stumps, Samson hangs back and turns it wide of mid-wicket

7.1 Shakib to Nair, leg byes, 1 run, tossed up on leg-stump, Karun misses the nudge and the ball rolls off the pads to the on-side

Shakib Al Hasan [1.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

6.6 A Russell to Samson, FOUR, excellent thinking from the youngster, he saw that the third man was very square, so Samson decides to open the face and steer the back of a length delivery down to the boundary

6.5 A Russell to Nair, 1 run, short of length on the body, Karun shuffles across and whips it to the right of fine leg

6.3 A Russell to Nair, out Rahane Run Out!! Kolkata needed something like this to spur them on. Excellent bit of work from Narine. This was short of length on the hips, Karun tucks it to short fine leg, looks up at his partner who calls him for the single, Narine gets a good bounce and hits the timber at the striker's end. Rahane dived but was well short. Rahane run out (Narine) 30(22) [4s-3 6s-1]

A Russell to Nair, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Third umpire called for, Rahane is the man in question. A direct-hit from Narine. Rahane making the walk back to the pavillion

6.2 A Russell to Nair, no run, shortish length close to off, Karun dabs it in front of backward point, he wanted a single but is sent back

6.1 A Russell to Nair, 2 runs, length delivery on the pads, Karun flicks it uppishly down to deep mid wicket, he comes back comfortably for the second

Andre Russell, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

5.6 Narine to Rahane, FOUR, pushed through close to off, no real pace from the pitch, Rahane has plenty of time to go back and punch it wide of mid-off, Umesh gives chase but in vain. The first 50-run stand for Rajasthan in this years T20 League

5.5 Narine to Rahane, no run, throws this up on middle, Rahane presses forward and blocks well

5.3 Narine to Nair, no run, shortens the length on the carrom ball, Karun hangs back and is beaten once again, the ball goes off the back thigh to the slip fielder

5.2 Narine to Nair, no run, the knuckle ball this time, Karun does not pick it, he plays down the wrong line and is beaten

5.1 Narine to Rahane, 1 run, Narine starts with an off-spinner, Rahane watches it carefully and works it wide of mid-wicket

Sunil Narine, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

4.6 Shakib to Nair, no run, slightly quicker and on off, Karun advances down the wicket and gets an inside edge onto the pads

4.5 Shakib to Rahane, 1 run, goes straight on with the arm, Rahane stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket

4.4 Shakib to Nair, 1 run, slower and close to off, Karun comes down the track and eases it to long off

4.3 Shakib to Nair, FOUR, floated up on middle, Karun goes for the sweep once again, he top-edges it and gets it over backward square leg, there was no one out there and the ball trickles away to the fence

4.2 Shakib to Nair, FOUR, Karun looking in good form after his previous knock, tossed up and full on middle, he goes on his knees and sweeps it behind square, splits the two fielders to perfection

4.1 Shakib to Nair, no run, flighted around off, Karun pushes it to cover

4.1 Shakib to Nair, wide, pushed through and going down leg, Karun misses the tickle and wide signalled

Shakib Al Hasan, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

3.6 U Yadav to Nair, 1 run, plenty of width on offer on this short delivery, Karun cuts it straight to the man at third man

3.4 U Yadav to Rahane, SIX, Rahane showing his class here, slower delivery on leg-stump, Rahane charges down and flicks it uppishly, there was the fielder at deep square leg but he was only a spectator

3.3 U Yadav to Rahane, FOUR, fabulous shot! All touch and timing from Rahane, full and on the stumps, he gets inside the line and picks it up beautifully to the deep mid wicket fence

3.2 U Yadav to Rahane, no run, on a length around off, Rahane checks his shot, he lobs it safely to the left of the bowler

3.1 U Yadav to Rahane, no run, touch short and on the fourth stump line, Rahane goes for the cut but does not connect, that hurried off the pitch

2.6 Vinay to Rahane, 1 run, back of a length on the hips, tucked to backward square leg

2.5 Vinay to Rahane, no run, back of a length just outside off, Rahane goes on the back foot, gets on top of it and punches, Suryakumar dives at cover and saves a certain boundary

2.4 Vinay to Rahane, no run, short and outside off, Rahane stands up and punches it to cover-point

2.3 Vinay to Rahane, 2 runs, another one that goes behind square on the on-side, but this squirted off the inside edge, fuller on off and middle, Rahane tries to defend but gets it off the inside edge

2.2 Vinay to Rahane, 2 runs, both the opening bowlers not bowling the right line, again on leg-stump, Rahane whips it behind square and gets back for another two

2.1 Vinay to Rahane, 2 runs, low full toss on the leg-stump, he was trying to bowl the yorker, Rahane gets across and nudges it to deep backward square leg for a couple

1.6 U Yadav to Rahane, 1 run, straight on middle and leg, Umesh still not getting his line right, Rahane clips it to fine leg and picks up a single

1.4 U Yadav to Nair, 3 runs, fuller and slanting onto the legs, Karun gets inside the line and flicks it beautifully behind square, ten Doeschate slides and saves a run for the team

1.3 U Yadav to Nair, FOUR, poor delivery from Umesh, short and well wide of off, Karun goes back quickly, gets on top of the bounce and cuts it to the deep backward point fence, he didn't try to hit it too hard

1.2 U Yadav to Rahane, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length on the legs, Rahane misses the glance and the ball thuds off thigh pad to fine leg

1.1 U Yadav to Rahane, no run, full on off and middle, Rahane works it gently to mid-wicket

Umesh Yadav, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Vinay to Nair, no run, Vinay goes up in an LBW appeal, but it was going well down leg, length delivery on middle and leg, Karun misses the flick and is struck on the pads

0.5 Vinay to Nair, no run, play and miss by Karun, slightly short in length and hint of away seam movement, he plays away from the body and is beaten

0.4 Vinay to Nair, no run, good length delivery on off, Karun gets behind it and knocks it to mid-on

0.3 Vinay to Rahane, 1 run, again a bit too straight from Vinay, Rahane works it wide of mid-on and collects an easy single

0.2 Vinay to Rahane, no run, on a length close to off, Rahane presses forward and defends it solidly

0.1 Vinay to Rahane, FOUR, gentle loosener from Vinay, full and straying onto the pads, Rahane couldn't have asked for a much better delivery, he leans forward and clips it handsomely to deep square leg, the timing takes it to the fence

Rahane and Nair are at the crease. Rahane is on strike. Vinay will open the attack

The umpires walk out to the center followed by Gambhir and his men. Big match this for Kolkata, who need a win. Vinay to open the attack, he has a slip in place...

Gambhir: "We need to win every game and hopefully, this might be the start of things. When you are leading a side you need to get the best of every individual. We played decently in the UAE but didn't get the right results. We are going to bowl. The wicket will be the same throughout. We have made two changes, ten Doeschate and Umesh Yadav come in for Kallis and Piyush Chawla"

Watson: "Yeah, Karun batted beautifully. That is one of the good things that the Rajasthan franchise do well, i.e. spot young Indian talent. It is certainly humid and a lot of fluids will be needed. We were going to bat, so thank you. Tim Southee replaces Kane Richardson and Rahul Tewatia debuts for Rajasthan in place of Dhawal Kulkarni"

Both players though provided a precursor of what they could do when they come into their own during the encounter against Chennai. Meanwhile, Rajasthan will miss their fortress as emphasized by Captain Watto himself. However, given their tactical nous and adaptive abilities, expect them to gauge their new home in Ahmedabad. Greetings and welcome to Game 25 of the Indian T20 League...

On the contrary, Kolkata find themselves at the bottom half of the table following the perennial batting malfunctions. Ironically, their big ticket stars, Gambhir and Yusuf have been the biggest culprits. Can they redeem themselves today and hit their straps?

Just within a week of playing out a nerve-wracking Super Over, Rajasthan collide with Kolkata again. The former, who nicked the tie on the basis of boundary count, currently sit at third place on the points tally. As usual, they have flown under the radar but there is no denying the balance in the team.

The last time these two sides, not more than a few days ago, both sides put on a display to cherish with both sides tying the contest, not only in the stipulated 20-overs, but also during the Super Over. Rajasthan Royals were eventually awarded the game thanks to having scored more boundaries than the Kolkata Knight Riders. While Rajasthan Royals would not mind a similar end-result in the game at Ahmedabad, both sides will want to ensure they do not leave the game till the very end to try and take their chance to triumph.

Rajasthan Royals:

The Shane Watson-led side has enjoyed a revival of sorts with a string of victories and they will look to continue in the same vein against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Their last game against Delhi Daredevils went perfectly as planned with both bowlers and batsmen chipping in and helping them produce a clinical display that saw them oust Delhi Daredevils by 7 wickets. The 3rd-placed side would also be overjoyed with discovering a match-winner in young Karun Nair, who slammed a 50-ball 73.

The biggest strength of Royals going into Monday's match is their in-form batting. The team is on a three-match winning streak and given the dismal form which Kolkata are battling, a fourth victory on the trot does not look unlikely. Royals' batsmen have been in fine form but more would be expected of the likes of Shane Watson and Sanju Samson, both of whom have been making decent contributions.

On the bowling front, they have discovered the brilliance of leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who has been making crucial breakthroughs. The 42-year old produced a brilliant performance that saw him take 2 vital wickets in their last game and will be keen on repeating his heroics. Pacer James Faulkner has spearheaded the pace department rather well with some good support from Dhawal Kulkarni and Kane Richardson.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders have been living a nightmare, having suffered three back-to-back defeats. KKR were thoroughly outplayed in their 34-run defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings in their most recent match

Their biggest concern right now is a floundering batting line-up. Skipper Gautam Gambhir has failed to produce a single innings of significance so far, along with veteran Jacques Kallis, who has also been far from impressive. In their previous match against Chennai, Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan did come up with innings of substance but it would take a lot more than that to notch up wins. Chris Lynn has been good in patches and KKR will hope the young Australian turns in a performance that will inspire the rest of his squad. Surya Kumar Yadav too has been decent with the bat for the 2012 Indian Premier League Champions, but he has been batting way down the order to make an impact.

On the bowling front, Kolkata Knight Riders have relied too heavily on the spin duo of West Indian Sunil Narine and Bangladesh's Shakib Al-Hasan. Piyush Chawla has been blowing hot and cold and is not among their most reliable bowlers at the moment. Their pace department, despite boasting of some big name, have failed to cause any major discomfort to the opposition line-ups.

Team News: Rajasthan Royals have absolutely no need to change their winning combination. They seem to have all their basescovered and would have enough faith to carry on with the same team against a struggling KKR side. The Gautam Gambhir side, on the other hand, will be buzzing with question about how to get the best out of their side. With Pat Cummins and Ryan ten Doeschate in the side, KKR do have a couple of probable solutions up their sleeve.

Quotes:

All the matches are crucial. (The game against Delhi Daredevils) was the first match of the India leg, we also had to adjust to the conditions and we did well. Everyone fulfilled their role well: Pravin Tambe.

Prediction:

On current form, Rajasthan Royals will start off as strong favourites but the unpredictable nature of the season could help KKR spring a surprise.